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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA \ 



The Year of Christ 



IN SONG. 



ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS-TIDE. 



OSGOOD E. FULLER, A. M., 

HECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH, LINDEN, 
AND LATE MASTER OF LATIMER HALL, FENTON. 



FIR S r T H O USA N D. 



8^ ' h y^'^t^rf' 



I ) E r R ( ) I T : 

FRED.G. GIBBS 

i8i Woodward Avenue. 
1876. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1875, by 
OSGOOD E. FULLER, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



EMIL SCHOBEK, PHINTF.R, E. B. SMITH i CO., BINDEKS, 

DETROIT, DKTEOrx. 



Preface 



The Church has in every age furnished Poets, Sculptors 
and Painters with their sublimest subjects. And, like Nature, 
Catholic and prodigal in ail her hidden stores, she still pos- 
sesses inexhaustable veins of Poesy and Art, that have hardly 
been touched. Yet the taste of the age discourages those who 
have a heart to work them, by either hugging the delusion that 
the best of God's precious ores have all been mined, or show- 
ing an almost exclusive fondness for ephemeral themes. This 
book tries to breast the current. 

None of the Poems contained in this volume have been 
written from a purely literary stand - point ; and very few of 
them, for the place they here occupy. They are, for the most 
part, the natural out-growth of a pastoral and educational work 
extending through a considerable number of years. The Author 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



has endeavored to project into them all something of Christian 
experience — an experience in which he recognized the fashion- 
ing Hand of Providence as well in the clond as in the sun- 
shine of life. For all this he believes they will prove the 
more profitable to the thoughtful reader. 

The Ye.\k (ik Christ, like the firmament, is set with 
many lights, one, indeed, exceeding another in glory, but all of 
unspeakable value to the pilgrim who is seeking the Celestial 
Country. It has been the Author's aim not only to offer here 
and there a spiritual song, suggested by the splendor of the 
way, but often to present a poem of greater length, as the 
sublimity of the season, or the things of his own life, inspired. 

The second poem, " The Light of the Virgin, or. Pursuit 
of the Ideal," was composed just before the writer was for- 
mally enrolled with the people of God. He thinks it is 
rightly placed on the threshold of the Christian Year 

Advent, 1875. 



Contents 



Fase 

The Year of Christ 7 

Lux ViRGiNis, OR Pursuit of the Idem 21 

The Kingdom of God 27 

Into His Chambers 30 

The Beautiful Plant 33 

Eureka 37 

The Triumi'hal En iry 48 

The Eternal Song 49 

Signs 57 

Ordination Hymns 58 

The Day (F God 60 

Angels of Life and Death 61 

The Doubters' Hymn 67 

A Legend of St. Thomas 68 



vi THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 

Page 

Epithalamium 72 

Advent Longing 84 

The Nativity '. 85 

The Christmas Service 89 

A Christmas Carol, with Music 98 

The Death of St. Stephen, wnii Masic 102 

A Legend ok St. John 106 

The Holy Innocents 113 

Ecclesia 119 

Engagement Song 121 

The Marriage Garment 122 

The Traveler 124 

New Year Day 130 



The Year of Christ. 



Prologue. 



" How beautiful upon the mountains." 



Tune, Jl'ir PJlugen. See page 102. 
I. 

How fair upon the mountains 
Where beauty shall not cease, 
The feet that bring good tidings, 
The lips that publish peace ! 
In all the dreams of boyhood 
That beauty had control, 
And now those years have vanished, 
It has not left my soul. 



THE YEAR OF' CHRIST. 



For when I hear the Gospel 
From some great heart out told, 
With tharks for those good tidings 
That will not aye grow old, 
The beauty on the mountains. 
Whose vision shall not cease. 
Within my heart upflashes 
With all the olden peace. 



II. 

On mountains in the circle 
Of many a year of Christ, 
I tracked His life undying. 
And felt a joy unpriced — 
The joy that is forever 
To one dear purpose born. 
As morning unto evening. 
And evening unto morn. 



PROLOG U E . 

And in the hope of heaven 
Whose beauty bends to earth, 
I sought, as unto sunshine, 
To grow toward His worth, 
What time in grace that cometh 
From one eternal source, 
I drank the cup of nurture 
And held me on my course. 

It was His love undying 

In which alone I stood, 

And here and there accomplished 

The little that I could 

And unto Christ be glory, 

If, with His sandals shod, 

I rescue from the desert 

Another child of God. 



THE YEAR OP CHRIST. 



III. 

Not all of earth is earthy, 
Nor all beyond sublime : 
Eternity hath sorrow, 
And joy is found in time. 
And joy is everlasting, 
A thing heroic, born 
Of doing and pursuing 
In regions of the morn, 

Whate'er the Spirit willeth, 
Which hath of souls the cure, 
Whate'er a soul becometh 
That must for aye endure; 
Through evil fame and happy. 
Until the setting sun 
Proclaims in dying beauty 
The race of earth is run. 



r R L G U E . 

And what if darkness gathers, 
Which is not darkness all ? 
And what if sorrows thicken, 
Which cannot hold in thrall ? 
Oh think ye not of darkness 
Where blessed light abides. 
Oh think ye not of sorrow 
Where deathless joy resides. 

The days so few and evil, 
That dawn on mortal eyes, 
Reveal the blessed mountains 
Whose beauty never dies ; 
The dear and blessed mountains 
Which longing eyes behold, 
Begirt with all that lureth 
The eager heart and bold. 

Oh who would not ascend them 
And cool the fever heat. 
The burning pain and ceasless, 
Which in his being meet. 



T 11 E y EAR F- C II R I S T. 



And all the sweet pulsation 
Of manly triumph feel, 
As ever upward pressing 
With pilgrim faith and zeal ? 

In grand and twilight glory 
Like hoary priests they stand 
And drop their benedictions 
Upon a toiling land ; 
What time they seem to beckon 
To those who dwell below, 
Revealing and concealing 
What mortals pine to know : 

Concealing what of knowledge 
Might quench and satisfy 
The mighty thirst and hunger 
Which bridge the earth and sky 
Revealing as in mercy 
A prospect here and there, 
Majestically real 
And infinitely fair ; 



P H L O G U E . 



13 



And flaming down the watchword 

Ot all the good to be, 

On those who look above them 

With eager eyes to see, 

Which, writ upon their banner 

In characters of fire. 

Out shines the blaze of passion 

And every low desire ; 

Until, like him who scenteth 
Some far oft' golden shore. 
And girdeth for the journey, 
Not counting dangers o'er, 
New purposed, bold and eager, 
They put their armor on. 
Intent those heights in reaching; 
From whence the light has shone : 

While ever, as ascending, 
They feed the flame of life 
And nurse a nobler purpose 
And nerve for bolder strife. 



14 ^ // '-■ y K A R OF V H R I S T. 



Till on the blessed mouutains 
They raise the victor's cry, 
And rest, begirt with glory 
Which cannot fade or die 



And rest ? There is no resting. 
No one abiding place 
For mortals or immortals 
In life 's unending race : 
The grave it doth not limit 
The strong heroic will : 
Fair fields and everlasting 
Invite endeavor still. 

For joy goes on, forever 

To one dear purpose born, 

As morning unto evening 

And evening unto morn. 

And mountains rise on mountains 

Which touch remoter skies. 

And bless with larger blessing 

The soul that never dies. 



PROLOGUE. 

Oh who would not ascend them, 

The table lands of God, 

By earth and heaven's heroes 

Victoriously trod ; 

Where rest is found in action, 

And joy in ceaseless love, 

Which hath below beginning 

And waxeth strong above ! 



IS 



IV. 

What time an eager pilgrim 
For many a year was I, 
The beauty on the mountains 
Did fill my wistful eye ; 
For all within the circle 
Of each new year of Christ, 
I tracked His life undying 
And felt a joy unpriced. 



l6 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Sometimes a form of beauty, 
Sometimes a hidden law, 
One vision went before me 
And held the mind in awe 
And oh, I could not linger, 
Though sunk in half despair ; 
For what I ever followed, 
Did ever grow more fair. 

Forever some new glory, 
Behind the clouds in part. 
Did wrap the soul in wonder 
And feed the hungry heart. 
The light relieved the darkness, 
The darkness dimmed the light, 
And half in light and shadow 
I went from height to height. 

Sometimes I rose in falling. 
Sometimes in rising fell, 
And all the sweet and bitter 
I cannot pause to tell. 



PROLOGUE. 



17 



But conquest came forever, 

As gladness after pain ; 

And who would scorn the anguish. 

To follow in her train ? 



For all within the circle 
Of many a year of Christ, 
I tracked His life undying 
And felt a joy unpriced, — 
The joy that is forever 
To one dear purpose born, 
As morning unto evening 
And evening unto morn. 

And all I gained and gathered 
I hid within my heart. 
Where year by year it groweth 
Of this poor life a part; 
Till now my only purpose 
Is how I best may guide 
Some weary, toiling brother 
Far up the mountain side. 



l8 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



Oh, if I aught have garnered 
Of life's bright, golden grain, 
It is my dear ambition 
To sow it all again. 
And God I know will help me 
And give me inward peace, 
And thus for all my sowing 
My little store increase. 



Advent 



AND, 



Christmas-tide. 



(FIRST SERIES.) 



HENRY P. TAPPAN, D.D., LL. D.,. 



THE CHIEF ORGANIZER 

OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 

THE GREAT CHANCELLOR OF THE SAME 

FOR TWELVE YEARS, 

WHOSE HOME IS NOW IN A FOREIGN LAND, 

TO WHOM THE AUTHOR IS LARGELY INDEBTED 

FOR WHATEVER DEVOTION HE HAS SHOWN 

TO A BEAUTIFUL AND LOFTY IDEAL, 

THE INITIAL POEM 

OF THIS ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS-TIDE SERIES 

IS, WITHOUT HIS KNOWLEDGE, 

AFFECTIONATELY AND REVERENTLY 

INSCRIBED 

BY HIS GRATEFUL 

PUPIL. 



Lux ViRGINIS 



PURSUIT OF THE IDEAL 



' Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners 



I ADORE an airy maiden, 

And I bless her night and day : 

Night and day where'er I wander, 
She is ever on my way. 

Tender maiden, watchful maiden, 

Friend to me she is alway, 
And with countenance angelic 

All my baser thoughts doth fray. 

INow she chides me and she guides me. 

If by chance I go astray : 
Then she scorns me and she warns me. 

If to rest my head I lay. 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Purer than the virgin dew-drops, 
And more beautiful than they, 

"Clothed she is in lily-meekness 
And a youth forever May. 

Who would not rejoice to woo her,. 

Who is clad in such array ? 
Who would not rejoice to win her, 

Who may never know decay ? 

Fairer maiden, rarer maiden, 

Poet never may portray ; 
Purer maiden, truer maiden. 

Never dwelt in mortal clay. 

And such charms she always weareth,. 

And so modest to display ! 
Oh my airy, fairy maiden 

Over me hath perfect sway ! 

Should King Oberon, the Fairy, 
Haply from his kingdom stray, 

And be questioned if he love her. 
He could never answer nay ; 



L U X r I R G I X I s . 



23 



Such his eager heart to woo her, 
And her to his realm convey, 

Where her beauty would enthrone her 
Queen of every elf and fay. 

Oh, her smile to me is better 
Than the vintage of Tokay ; 

Better hours when I behold her 
Than are ages of Cathay. 

But, ah me ! she e'er so coy is — 
And I always hate delay — 

Oft my heart grows dark within me, 
Void of hope's celestial ray. 

For when I would fain embrace her, 

Blushingly she flits away, 
Darting, glancing like a sunbeam, 

As if mocking my dismay ; 

Leaving me, and then returning, 
Like the sunlight in the spray ; 

And my soul is half distracted 
With such Tantalus-survey. 



24 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Why will not the cruel maiden 
Once my beauty-thirst allay ? 

Doth she stoop at last to vengeance,. 
Dooming" me a castaway ? 

Airy maiden, fairy maiden, 

Do not keep me thus at bay ; 

Linger yet a little, maiden ; 
Maiden, yet a little stay. 

Ah, she will not deign to listen, 
Though I sue and I inveigh ; 

Ah, she will not deign to listen. 
Doth she then my love repay ? 

If I ask her if she love me, 
Blushing she will nothing say. 

Nothing answer to convince me. 
Nothing, neither nay nor yea. 

But retreating, softly fleeting, 
Like a rainbow heavenly gay, 

She doth call me, she doth call me,. 
And I cannot but obey. 



L UJT Y 1 R G I ^ I S. 



25 



And as bold and eager-hearted 
As a school-boy who at play, 

Bright-hued butterflies in chasing 
O'er the fragrant, new mown hay, 

Vexed, successless, yet determined 
On the capture of his prey, 

Which allures him and eludes him, 
Follow softly as he may; 

I pursue my airy maiden 

From the morning twilight grey, 

Till the mists of evening gather, 
And no conquest doth defray 

All my yearnings and my heart-beats. 
For she every art doth slay. 

Yet with new and light endeavor, 
To allure her I essay, 

Purposing no base inaction 
And no sluggard's welaway. 

Till I touch the happy altar. 

Crowned on with the fadeless bay. 
2 



26 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



And I think my heart grows better, 
And I count not what I pay 

For the airy chase and earthly, 
Where she seemeth to betray ; 

For I feel if here I never 
Win my maiden, as I pray, 

I shall in yon sphere eternal 
Fold her in my arms for aye ; 

Where the splendor of the virgin 
Satisfies the heart straightway. 

And the rhyme that never changes, 
Fringes the Celestial Lay. 



The Kingdom of God. 



Awake, O dreamers, rejoice, rejoice ! 

P^or the Kingdom of God is at hand, 
And the call of the beautiful maiden's voice 

Is blending with manhood's command. 

The vision of fair and holy things 

Will never conquer the world, 
Without the fairh which to heaven flings 

The banner too brave to be furled. 

In the shadowy field, where the battle is set, 

Put on the armor of light, 
And know ye the foes, who with valor are met, 

Shall vanish with the niirht. 



28 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



The day is at hand, and the wilderness 

Echoes, Repent ! repent ! 
And show ye the beauty of hoHness 

In doing the Lord's intent. 

And the manly voice of the hermit. John, 
Is the voice of Christ in the land : 

Repent ! — all ages shall bear it on — 
For the Kingdom of God is at hand 



II 



The years are big with the things of fate, 

The ages are piled with gold — 
For the gold of God is it too late, 

The world is so very old .'' 

And men are starving, though bountiful store 

Is offered through all the land. 
Not heeding the cry for evermore, 

The Kingdom of God is at hand. 



THE K I X G D O M OF O D . 



29 



The bread of Cjod is just as sweet 

As it was in Itie olden time, 
And the hungry hearts, that freely eat, 

Shall grow to a life sublime. 

Alas, that Famine and Hate are abroad 
And Wrong is a king with men, 

When day and night are prayers to the Lord 
For Mercy and Right again ! 

But men must sufler, and men must pray, 
And the valiant saints strike home. 

Until the cry of the Advent Day, 
The Kiuiidom of God is come. 



Into His Chambers. 



" Thy love is better than wine." 



I APPROACHED the lordlv chambers, 
Which arose at God's command, 

More majestic than all temples, 
Poets find in fairy land. 

I approached the lofty chambers, 

Which for man are filled with good, 

And with awe and fear upon me 
At the sacred threshold stood. 

" Oh for strength ! and oh for courage ! " 
Was my spirit's silent prayer, 

While the shifting light and darkness 
Saw me standing lonely there ; 



INTO HIS CHAMBERS. 



31 



Saw me standing, saw me waiting, 
In the awful shadow there, 

Till, as clouds, my fears departing, 
Faded in the viewless air. 

Then it was no longer doubting, 
That I sealed the happy choice ; 

And a coward tongue unloosing, 
P>choed then a fearless voice : 

I will pass the golden portals 
And explore each secret part, 

For I long to find a solace 
For iiiy yearning, aching heart. 

Then I issued from the darkness, 

I so long a plodding fool, 

And the King in mercy led me 

Through the open vestibule ; 

And I passed the golden portals 
Which I ne'er had passed before, 

Entered then the lofty chambers 
Where is love forever more. 



32 



THE YEAR OF CHMIST. 



And the music of low voices, 

Floating cheerily to me, 
Added knowledge unto knowledge 

Touching immortality. 

And I felt my spirit glowing, 
Joyous in its new-born power, 

As a bud which in its blowing 
Feels itself at last a flower. 

Lord, defend Thou me, Thy servant, 
With Thine everlasting grace. 

Till I in Thy chambers yonder, 
Hail the brightness of Thy face. 

Thine be all the praise and glory 

Which through Christ I bring to men I 

Mine be but to tell His story. 
Till I breathe my last Amen ! 



The Beautiful Plant. 



" 'I he rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley." 



Of all the wonderful plants that grow- 
On mountain, in forest and field, 

There are verily none of which I know 
Whose generous blossoms yield 

One -half the fragrance, one-half so sweet, 

As the Beautiful Plant that I daily meet. 

It blooms the first in the vernal time, 

And gay at the coming of June ; 
It ever outlives the Summer's prime : 

And when the Autumn-winds tune 
Their organs to play the dirge of death. 
It scorneth and shunneth their blastins: breath. 



34 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



When Nature at length is in burial array, 
Her children all gone to the tomb, 

Will it ever know that wickedest day 
When it shall be out of its bloom ? 

Oh, no; for every to-morrow doth bring 

To my Beautiful Plant the return of Spring. 

It drinketh the wine from the cup of morn. 

And trembles with rare delight ; 
And the loving stars at even born 

Look down from their homes of light, 
And unto my heart forever say, 
Thou hast the beauty that lives for aye. 

And when I go forth to the strife of the world. 

And join the hurry and din, 
With banners of light in my soul unfurled, 

I forget not that men are kin, 
Throughout the one great household of God, 
Awake on earth or asleep in the sod. 



THE BEAUTIFUL PLANT. 



35 



The present, the past, and the future are mine, 

And I am no longer my own : 
All things I behold in the light divine, 

Where nothing is ever alone, 
And beauty flows forth unto eager eyes 
Surveying the earth or piercing the skies. 

I cannot in isolation move. 

When I catch the glory of all 
That is meant by Universal Love, 

To push from the heart the wall 
Which is builded of hate and fear and doubt, 
And fences immortal companions out. 

My Beautiful Plant, athrough my heart 

Diffuses such glory and cheer, 
I would never more from the garden depart 

Where it blossoms through all the year. 
And daily, I think, becomes more fair, 
Receivmg the kisses of purer air. 



36 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Oh who does not nourish so holy a thing" 

Is the poorest and vilest of all ! 
Though he live unchallenged a very king, 

And a world respond to his call. 
Ah, such, I fear, when the earth is behind^ 
The garden immortal will never find ; 

For this plant is akin to the Tree of Life, 

Blossoming under its shade. 
And serving to sweeten the toil and strife 

Which the Tempter for us has made, 
Until at last we climb by its power 
So high as to pluck the heavenly dower. 

And then in truth of such wondrous worth, ' 

Its roots so deep in the soul, 
That when we are weary and done with the earth. 

It will go with us over the goal ; 
And there at length in its native clime, 
It will reach with its kindred a growth sublime. 



Eureka. 

(For St. Andrew's Day, Nov. 30.) 



He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found 
the Messias." 



St. Andrew and ten thousand others 
Have told my secret to their brothers ; 
Yet there may be some Httle gain, 
If now I tell it o'er again. 

Though all my telling will not make 
The hearer of the love partake, 
Which is the sunshine of my story, 
Its chief and everlasting glory. 

It comes through strong, courageous years, 
And hopes victorious over fears. 
Through ceaseless toil by day and night, 
Until the flashes of the light 



38 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Drive from the yearning soul afar 
The things that of our selfhood are, 
And fill its waiting chambers full 
Of God, the one thing beautiful. 

This secret of the world of spirit 
God does not give for any merit 
Which in His children He discovers. 
He hails the truest of his lovers, 

And unto them vouchsafes the grace 
His truth eternal to embrace, 
And clasp within an eager soul, 
The secret which they aye control. 

Eureka! cries Archimedes, 
What time his secret fair he sees ; 
And forth he runs to publish it, 
His face with glorious triumph lit. 

Copernicus for many years 
Sought for the secret of the spheres : 
Through forty circles of the earth 
Was it in coming to its birth. 



EUREKA. 

And when at last the old man died 
At anchor in the Crucified, 
The fruit of all his toil became 
The glory of a deathless name. 

Newton and Kepler both baptized 

In prayer the truths which they so prized 

Thanksgiving unto God arose, 

Who His arcana did disclose. 

Oh, with what joy they told abroad 
The long sought secrets of the Lord, 
Apostles of science, Christian men, 
Using the gifts of tongue and pen ! 

And shall the greater secret far 
Than any truths of science are. 
Remain a hidden, untold thing 
With never wafting power of wing .-• 

How did Saint Andrew finding Christ 
The secret of his joy unpriced, 
Straightway rehearse unto another, 
Sharing his gladness with his brother! 



39 



40 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



How did Apostles tell it forth - 
Unto the P>ast and West, the North 
And South, wherever souls were found, 
And clouds and darkness did abound ! 

Christ ! Christ ! did they alone rehearse, 
The centre of the universe. 
Round which humanity revolves, 
What time it climbs in high resolves. 

Christ ! Christ ! and Him once crucified. 
Who for a world of sinners died. 
Christ ! Christ ! who tasted death for all 
Whom sin and evil here enthrall. 

Henceforth all men to me are brothers. 
I must tell Christ in me to others. 
The fruit of all my long, long search 
I must tell forth unto the Church. 

And not the Church alone. The world 
Must neyer see my banner furled. 
One love, one work, until I die ; 
One only prize to fill mine eye. 



EUREKA 



41 



O One exceeding great Reward ! 
Help me my secret tell abroad ; 
Help me one purpose to lulfiU 
What time on earth I do Thy will. 

Through good report and evil I 

Pursue whate'er in Christ is high, 

And with the blessed Gospel shod 

Range thiough the world-wide Church of God. 

One only lofty vision I 

Through all the earth and heavens descry : 

One only fair ideal hold 

Before my eager heart and bold. 

One only song and prayer is mine 
That I may show what is divine 
Unto some yearning hearts of men 
Groping for Paradise again. 

And as the sovereign way for this 
Return to paradisal bliss, 
What is there, things of earth among, 
Like breath of God upon the young .-' 



42 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Until they come at length to see 
The beauty of the Deity, 
Alike in Nature as in Grace, 
Flashing from every form and place, 

A guide to lead them on and on, 
As love led the Apostle, John, 
Till they begin to tell abroad 
God, their exceeding great reward. 

Dear Christ ! all men to me are brothers. 
Henceforth my secret is for others : 
One only prize to hold mine eye. 
One love, one work, until I die. 



II 



Yes, I have found the work at last. 
Which Providence alone forecast; 
And nevermore for me in rest. 
Save when I labor at my best. 



EUREKA, 43 

Dear younger brother, wouldst thou know 
The way the Master loves to show 
His will and wish ? The search is vain, 
Unless it be through toil and pain. 

There is no easy lesson here 
Where wisdom lingers many a year. 
Most their vocation never know, 
Since wisdom comes so slow, so slow ! 

Discerning not the will of God, 
They walk the way the fathers trod 
And He who marks the sparrow's fall, 
Observes his lowly children all. 

But thou of hunger hast the smart 
Pent up within a conscious heart. 
God's providence is speaking there, 
Telling what thou shouldst do and dare. 

Be bold to heed the silent voice 
And crucify each meaner choice ; 
Or else forever lose the place 
Assigned thee in the realm of Grace 



44 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



God speaks not many times to those 
To whom His will He would disclose. 
Have they, alas, no ears to hear, 
No more, no more He draweth near. 

He needs thee not against thy will. 
Thy little place His hand can fill. 
From stones can He, of old I AM, 
Raise children unto Abraham. 

So thou, thy work to know and do. 
Must unto Providence be true, 
And heed the signals and the signs. 
Although the light but dimly shines. 

What though the signs arc not so plaiiT 
As to shut out all doubt and pain .'' 
The doubt and pain will not grow less,. 
While thou remain'st in idleness. 

What if the signals be but faint 
And in thy heart there is complaint ^ 
Ah, they will all the fainter be 
During thine inactivity 



EUREKA 

When once the signal voice is heard, 
And the unfathomed heart is stirred 
To action, we have found the way 
Where Hfe is greater than to-day, 

(However vast its treasures be) 

And boldly claims eternity. 

Henceforth we no more reckon worth 

By the arithmetic of earth. 

The great is small, the small is great, 
Often in af'.er estimate, 
And nobler aims and visions rise 
What time we see with other eyes. 

Hast thou despised the little things } 
Know thou the smallest duty brings 
A prophecy of coming time, 
For thee ignoble or sublime. 

The gifts of God thou dost not use, 
Little or great, thou dost abuse 
What if — the forfeit comes at last — 
From thee be taken what thou hast .'* 



45 



46 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



Thy sacred trusts each day increase : 
Evening shall bring a psalm of peace. 
And in a broader circle shine 
The lantern of the Word Divine. 

The blessed things of God no more 
Shall be like shadow, as before, 
But real, precious and sublime, 
To grow more fair by use and time 

Stand still, the darkness on thy track 
Pushes no more its column back. 
Halt not, the light gleams wide and far, 
And thine is an unsetting star. 

There always will be clouds. Thy mark 
May sometimes vanish in the dark. 
What then } Wilt thou at this despair ? 
It is thy trial — oh, beware ! 

Renew thy faltering zeal and trust 
The Lord, O creature of the dust. 
Young faith will perish in the night. 
If thou dost only walk by sight 



EUREKA 



47 



Without the sun, the air, the earth, 
The seed conies not unto its birth: 
Its hidden power of life will die, 
Or dormant in its prison lie. 

Without the word and deed, the thought 
Is to no blessed uses brought. 
But quickly withers from the soul. 
Evanishing beyond control. 

Act to the purpose of thy heart, 
And Providence, with wondrous art, 
Shall fashion it to beauty there. 
Transmuting all thy work and prayer, 

Till it shall come to be thy life 
Grown strong in every manly strife, 
And, when the time is ripe, approve 
Thee for the Master's work of love. 



48 THE YEAR Of CHRIST. 



The Triumphal Entry. 



(Gospel for Advent Sunday. Tune, A^eiv Jersey, Number 433 
Goodrich & Gilbert's Hymnal.} 



Who is this in triumph riding, 
'Mid the branches of the palm, 

While, on either side dividing, 

Lifts the throng their greeting psalm ? 

Prophet, Priest, and King and Saviour, 
He who left the throne on high, 

Now, by His divine behavior, 
Drawing forth the people's cry. 

He it is who comes in meekness, 
Though the Chief and Lord of all ; 

He it is who, strong in weakness. 
Frees His people from their thrall. 

O my soul ! go forth to meet Him 

Coming on His weary way ; 
Open wide thy gates and greet Him 

Sovereign of thy courts for aye. 



Angels of Life and Death. 



"Are they not all ministering spirits?" 



Our earth by two angels is trod, 

Who bear the commissions of God, 

All written in letters of light 

To those who can read them aright. 

One radiant, beautiful is, 

Who comes with the message of bliss, 

And sweet benediction to them 

Who touch but his garments' bright hem. 

He came when Elizabeth knew 
The joy that so tenderly grew, 
Until her reproach among men 
Had passed to the things that had been : 



^2 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



When Mary, the Mother of One 
Of Earth and of Heaven the Son, 
Rejoiced in her God and her Saviour 
With meek and with lowly behaviour. 

We know his commission, and all 
Are happier when his foot-fall 
Is heard at the door of our mansion ; 
And greeting him, feel we expansion 

Of joy that is blessed forever 
What time it is crowned in endeavor 
And tenderest love for the grace 
That comes to our trembling embrace. 

O beautiful angel ! we know 

Of nothing more pure than the glow 

Of bosoms whose promises are 

No longer, no longer afar. 

No longer .'* The Angel of Life 

Who quiets the bosom's first strife, 

But wakens another far stronger 

And fiercer and wilder and longer. 



ANGELS OF LIFE AND DEATH. 



63 



O father forecasting the joy 
That dawns in a beautiful boy, 
Until the far years of his prime 
Are crowned with a manhood sublime ! 

O mother that dotest on one 
As dear as the light of the sun. 
And dreamest of him till his name 
Is writ on the star-line of fame ! 

The rainbow so wondrously fair, 

The painting of God in the air. 

One moment entrances the eye, 

The next, it is gone from the sky. 

The flowers that spring at our feet, 
All beautiful things that we meet, 
Endure for an hour or a day 
And yield to the touch of decay. 

Alas and alas for the joy 
That dawns in a beautiful boy, 
Of all the dear joys of the breast 
The purest and sweetest and best ! 



64 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



The radiant Angel of Light 
May suddenly pass from the sight 
And beckon the Angel of Gloom 
To enter the dim, silent room ; 

Whose way is a way in the dark. 
Oh, who can discover his mark ? 
For one shall be taken, one left ; 
One keepeth, and one is bereft. 

Death comes at all seasons and places. 
He stays not for fortune or graces : 
His will is the will of the Lord. 
Who would not submission accord .'' 

Short joy is our heritage here ; 
With imperfect love there is fear, 
Which troubles the stoutest heart long 
With fitful and feverish song. 

The bliss of a sweetness it knows. 
The cup which with bitterness flows ; 
For Death is an Angel of Light, 
Though robed in the garments of night. 



ANGELS OF LIFE AND DEATH. 65 



Who comes for the young and the old, 
To gather them all to the fold 
Where greets the Good Shepherd His own, 
And sorrow and tears are unknown. 

All angels are angels of love. 
Of God are both raven and dove : 
One serveth the Ark in the Flood ; 
One bringeth the prophet his food. 

All things of both heaven and earth 
Are waiting an infinite birth. 
The flush of a joy that has been, 
Some day we shall know it again. 

As yonder bright bow fades away. 
As violets yield to decay. 
And flowers yet again we may see, 
And rainbows as fair there may be ; 

As day unto night must give way. 
And night in its turns unto day, 
Till dawns the perennial light 
When there shall no longer be night ; 



66 TllK YEAR OF CHRIST. 



So sorrow and joy — the two poles 
Belonging on earth to all souls — 
Until they are merged into one 
When conflicts forever are done, 

And saints all rejoice that they know 

The better for trials the glow 

Of bosoms .whose promises are 

No longer, no longer afar. 



The DOUBTERS' Hymn. 

(For St. Thomas' Day. Tune, Gemer, page 31, Greatore.x Collection.) 



Great Searcher of the troubled heart, 

We bow before Thy Throne 
And pray Thee make our doubts depart, 

Till we are all Thine own. 

Explore the chambers of our souls, 

Bring from the night the day, 
Until, like clouds, the darkness rolls 

Forevermore away. 

O Thou, in whom we trust, believe, 

Who are of sinners chief, 
Our hearts' strong, wrestling prayer receive, 

And help our unbelief. 

The blindness which for Thomas' sake. 

Thou didst of old remove. 
From all our hearts in mercy take. 

And we our faith shall prove. 



68 THE TEAR OP CHRIST. 



A Legend of St. Tho'mas. 



Saint Thomas the day of his Festival, 

The briefest of the year, 
Was looking down from Paradise 

Through the frosty air and clear. 

His eye, the eye of heaven that morn. 

Was of worshipers in quest, 
And traveled afar through all the North 

And South and East and West. 

At length his ear he bended low, 
To catch the sounds that came 

From a beautiful and lofty church 
Which bore his very name. 



A LEGEND OF SAIXT THOMAS. 



69 



It was no organ peal he heard, 

No voice of praise or prayer ; 
Nor was it the blessed Word of God 

Which rung through the arches there. 

There was no low-bowed priest within, 

There was no reverence ; 
And the holy angels there had said 

" Arise, let us go hence." 

The hearts of the angels who came to see 
What honor Saint Thomas had, 

And gather the odors of prayer and praise, 
Were heavy, that day, and sad. 

They only beheld a noisy throng 
Who were binding wreaths to grace 

The house of God for Christmas-tide, 
At a sacred time and place : 

As if they honored the Holy Child 

By what was another's loss ! 
As if it absolved from irreverence. 

The makins: of garland and cross ! 



70 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



Then quickly the Saint from Paradise 

Came down the wintry sky, 
And his form which in the window stood 

Was a glory to every eye. 

His face was a heavenly beauty there 

Of which the artist dreamed, 
That' never before until that day 

Had more than mortal seemed. 

The gazers ceased their nimble work, 

The hum of voices died ; 
All wondered what was shining there 

Which the place so glorified. 

And more and more the wonder grew 

Until Saint Thomas saw 
Fast creeping on from face to face 

A shadow of breathless awe. 

They knew not the Saint was looking in 
Through the beautiful window there ; 

But something whispered from heart to heart, 
" My house is a house of prayer." 



A LEGEAD OF SAIAT THOMAS. 



71 



And something guided many a hand 

Until from the church they bore 
All that unhallowed the sacred place, 

And order reigned once more. 

And lo ! the angels all came back, 
And their hearts at length were glad, 

When they gathered the odors of prayer and saw 
What honor Saint Thomas had. 



72 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Epithalamium. 



"Thy lips, O my spouse, drop honey as the honey-comb. 



(Tune, IVir PJltigcn, page 102.) 

What time I send my greeting, 

friends to me so dear, 
And pray your happy nuptials 
May gladden many a year ; 

What time I see the honey 
So sweet upon the lips, 
My heart — I cannot hold it — 
Into the future dips. 

1 see the Bride and Bridegroom, 
My yearning soul before. 

To me a calling, calling ; 
I cannot linsfer more. 



The Eternal Song. 



And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the 
Lamb, saying great and marvelous are thy works. Lord God Almighty; 
just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." 



Cometh soon the day desired long, 
Cometh soon the triumph over wrong, 
When we sing the one eternal song. 

Lo ! when heaven and earth shall both remove, 
Cometh then Jerusalem above 
Where the banner over all is love. 

Oh the heights to which the saints shall climb ! 
Oh the wonders of that coming time, 
Wonders for our telling too sublime ! 
3 



5° 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Heaven and earlh renewed, itom crowns as bright 
As is God's all-flaming, endless light, 
Flash their beauty in the face of Night, 

Till she from the universe away 
Hastes to hide herself in that decay 
Which shall have no resurrection day. 

Soul ! arise and see the splendor come ! 
For the painting of that fadeless home. 
Voice and heart without the Lord are dumb. 

John in Patmos saw the blessed sight, 

An immortal and divine delight. 

For unhallowed eyes too pure and bright, 

New Jerusalem, a coming down, 
City matchless in her far renown, 
Bringing for each valiant saint a crown. 

What is that great voice which followed then ^ 
Lo! God's tabernacle is with men. 
Former things shall be no more again ; 



THE ETERNAL SONG. 



51 



No more weeping — pain and death are done, 
Who hath overcome hath all things won, 
And shall ever be to God a son. 

O my soul, hear thou that other voice, 
And remember what hath been thy choice. 
Ere thou lift a heart that may rejoice ! 

Lo ! the fearful, unbelievers all. 

Liars, they who down to idols fall, 

Know the death whence there is no recall ! — 

Know the second death, which is the fire 
Of a vanished season to aspire. 
Burning, burning, in a vain desire. 

Oh the terrors, when they vainly call 
On the mountains and the rocks to fall 
On them as annihilation's pall ! 

Help me, God, to shun that second death ! 
Help me while on earth I draw my breath ! 
Help me learn and do what Jesu saith ! 



52 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Hast thou chosen that eternal part, 
Then at length is thine, O valiant heart, 
Joy that shall not ever more depart. 

Lift thine eyes and feast them on the grace. 

Honor, riches in that radiant place. 

Thine, when thou hast ended here thy race. 

Get thee to a mountain great and high. 
Get thee, O my soul, where best thine eye 
Tracks the glory flaming down the sky. 

City after an eternal plan ; 

City which the Lord's dear mercies span. 

Bow, my heart, before this love to man ! 

Gates look North and South and East and West, 
All unfolding what is fairest, best, 
Light and truth and everlasting rest. 

Jasper walls are there, and golden pave. 
Of the sun and moon no need they have ; 
All the Lamb and God with glory lave. ' 



THE ETERNAL SONG. 



53 



Hark ! hark ! hear that mighty rush of song, 
From all souls that love has made so strong ; 
Hark, and learn the notes which they prolong! 

Song of Moses and the Lamb they raise, 
Pouring forth to God eternal praise. 
Who is just and true in all His ways. 

Moses and the Lamb with never taints ! 
Theirs the chant they lift without complaints : 
Just and true Thy ways are, King of saints. 

Moses ! servant unto God below, 

Mercies in His judgments thou did'st know, 

Fountain whence eternal praises How. 

Lamb ! who suffered'st here upon the cross, 
And did'st purge away our sin and dross, 
God in Thee did show the gain of loss. 

Hear their voices who His Kingdom trod, 
With the preparation of the Gospel shod : 
Great and marvellous thy works, O God ! 



54 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



See them cast their crowns before the Throne, 
Service which by them on earth was shown, 
There at length unto perfection grown ! 

Looking back from new Jerusalem, 
Know they with the Lord their diadem, 
Tribulation was but love to them. 

Oh the beauty love in mercy paints 

When she chants the death of all complaints : 

Just and true Thy ways are. King of saints ! 

Soul ! arise and gird thine armor on. 
Has the light of God within thee shone, 
Linger not the rugged ways upon. 

Thorns and crags and dangers, what are they 

But prophetic of the fadeless bay, 

Which the eager brow would wear for aye ! 

God through love shall make the mountains low ; 
God through love shall cause the depths to grow 
Heights which everlasting sunshine know. 



THE ETERNAL SONG. 55 



Hast thou gained some triumph in the Lord, 
Thinking more of coveted reward 
Than of faithfulness unto His Word ? 

Hast thou ever drunk the cup of bitterness, 

Flowing with the gall of deep distress, 

When thou seemd'st to sink from less to less ? 

Tell me, thou with Christ within thy heart, 
What thou thinkest of that olden smart. 
And the triumph where thou hadst a part ? 

Rose I in my joy, and rising fell. 
From my grief I rose too high to tell ! 
God be praised who doeth all things well. 

Oh the beauty love in mercy paints, 

When she chants the death of all complaints : 

Just and true thy ways are. King of saints ! 

Girded in the armor of His light, 
Take, my soul, thy rank amid the fight. 
Counting on the triumph of the right. 



56 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



What though clouds shall clasp thee in their bath ? 
What though night shall gloom along the path, 
Where the Lord's the only guide one hath ? 

Fling thy splendor on the darkness here, 
Till the ways of God becoming clear. 
Banish from thy bosom every fear. 

W^hat though cruel things upon thee press, 

Resting as a burden of distress, 

Till thou cry, alas ! for righteousness ? 

Recognize the long extended hand, 
Moulding thee as for a purpose grand ; 
Fail not thou to do the Lord's command, 

Knowing as thou lookest forth afar. 
Life and death and all things glory are, 
God's and His who flames the Morning Star. 

Oh the beauty love in mercy paints, 

When she chants the death of all complaints : 

Just and true Thy ways are. King of saints ! 



Signs 



(Gospel for Second Sunday in Advent. Tunes, Boylston, or Oiven, 
page 73, Hymnal for Social and Public Worship.) 



The time is drawing nigh 

When He who came of old, 
Shall leave again the courts on high, 

And visit here His fold. 

And what if signs there be 

In all the world around, 
That, calling to eternity, 

The trumpet soon will sound ? 

O comrade ! look within, 

And see what signs are there, 

What freedom from defiling sin, 
And for that day prepare. 

And then, whate'er the watch 

In which the Lord appears, 
His saving strength shall more than match 

A phantom host of fears. 



58 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Ordination Hymns. 

(For the Winter Ember Days. Tunes, Benez'olence and Hursley, 
Numbers 437 and 336, Goodrich & Gilbert's Hymnal.) 



I. 

To THOSE, O Lord, whom Thou dost call, 
And set to watch on Zion's wall. 
Give eagle eyes that they may see 
All lurking foes of Thine and Thee ; 

Give words of power to warn Thy flock. 
And save from every hostile shock; 
Give strength to guard that heritage, 
Which Thou hast loved from age to age. 

Do Thou their shield and helmet be 
In conflict with that enemy 
Who works without, and works within. 
To turn aside and lure to sin. 

And while our prayers their hands uphold, 
Bless Thou their work to Thy dear Fold, 
Till eager throngs of sinners come 
And find a refuse and a home. 



O R D I N A TI N II Y M N S. 



59 



II- 

My Saviour, when I think of Thee, 
And all Thou didst for love of me, 
I cry for grace that I may know 
How I Thy love may others show. 

For this, O Lord, is mine to do, 
And to my work I would be true, 
To lead Thine erring ones to see 
Thou lovest them as well as me. 

Do Thou in this my efforts aid. 
And with Thy love my soul pervade. 
Until a guiding flame it burn 
And wandering ones to Thee return. 

Do Thou in this my labor bless. 
And many unto righteousness 
Shall' I at length, O Lord, incline. 
And as the stars forever shine. 



6o THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



The Day of God. 

(Collect for Third Sunday in Advent. Tune, Quaiffe, not published.) 



Are ye with the preparation 

Of the Gospel shod, 
Fear ye not the tribulation 

Of the day of God! 
He will come in all the glory 

Of a smiling face, 
And rehearse the happy story 

Of a day of grace. 

Are ye with no preparation 

Of the Gospel shod, 
Then, alas! the tribulation 

Of the day of God! 
He will come, but in the glory 

Of a frowning face, 
And recall the fearful story 

Of His wasted srace. 



E P 1 T H A L A M I U M . 

It is the Great Espousal 
To last Ibrevermore, 
The joy we have a taste of 
Upon this earthly shore. 

It is the Marriage Supper ; 
The Bridegroom and the Bride, 
Within the waiting mansions 
Are standing side by side. 

He is the King of Glory, 
He is the Prhice of Peace ; 
His triumphs are recorded, 
The joy shall never cease. 

He stands as one victorious. 
And looketh on the Bride, 
Who there is all as glorious 
A standing by his side. 

The daughter she of Zion, 
Who here was dark and low : 
When lifted by the Lion, 
What beauty did she show ? 



73 



74 



r II E YEAR OF CHRIST 



The garments of His beauty, 
She wore through all the earth, 
And showed to all her children 
The splendor of His wortn. 

Her lips they dropped with honey, 
Her garments smelt of myrrh ; 
Better than wine or money 
The love He showed to her. 

What time I see the honey 
So sweet upon the lips, 
My heart — I cannot hold it — 
Into the future dips. 

It is the Marriage Supper ; 
The Bridegroom and the Bride, 
Within the Father's mansions 
Are standing side by side. 

Long since the invitations 
Went forth through all the world, 
And flashed from oft' the banners 
Which never here are furled. 



K P 1 T B A L A At I U M . 75 



The children of the Kingdom 

Are coming from afar ; 

From Greece and Rome and England, 

Wherever altars are. 

And Wesley's lowly chapel 
Is not without its roll ; 
Geneva comes and yieldeth 
The fruit of many a soul. 

I see among them Luther 
Full many a column bring ; 
An everlasting castle 
'"sft iiiiKr Wott, they sing. 

Jerusalem, the olden, 
Sends many children there : 
Jerusalem, the Golden, 
Receiveth all the fair. 

They seek the Father's mansions, 
A great unnumbered throng, 
Who in their tribulation 
Have trampled sin and wrong. 



76 



T II K YEAR OF CHRIST. 



The Bride and Bridegroom greet them ; 
They are the chosen guests, 
The children of the Kingdom, 
Who did the Lord's behests. 

They greet the Bride and Bridegroom ; 
Both His and hers they are, 
The fruit of all her travail, 
Her children from afar. 

Their lips they drop with honey, 
Their garments smell of myrrh ; 
Better than wine or money, 
The love from Him and her. 

The Bridegroom looketh over 
The blessed throng' so vast ; 
His eye, the jealous Lover's, 
Upon them all is cast. 

What time each face He greeteth. 
As one to Him well known, 
He sees they all to whiteness 
And purity have grown. 



EPITHALAMIUM. 77 



His blood alone redeemed them, 
And made them pure and fair : 
His righteousness still clothes them, 
They yet receive His care. 

But hark ! a cry ariseth, 
That does not all rejoice. 
Oh, hark ! a voice ascendeth, 
It is the Bridegroom's voice : 

"O children of the Kingdom 
Why are ye not all here ? 
Where are unnumbered iaces 
That were to me so dear .? " 

It is the cry that ranges 
Through all the Universe, 
The cry that never changes— 
Who can its woe rehearse ? 

"O children of the Kingdo.m, 
Who did in darkness stay, 
There is an outer darkness 
That doth not roll away. " 



y8 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



" O children of the Kingdom, 
Who wallowed in the mire, 
There is a Day Eternal, 
There is a quenchless fire." 

" O children of the Kingdom, 
Who did not My command, 
Ye cannot in My presence 
Like these, in gladness stand," 

" O children of the Kingdom, 
To whom My love was shown. 
Your souls are full of darkness. 
Ye only have your own." 

God ! God ! The gall that drippeth, 
So bitter to my taste. 
What time I feel their blindness, 
Who grace so precious waste ! 

The cry ! the cry that ranges 
Through all the Universe, 
The cry that never changes — 
Who can its woe rehearse ? 



E P I T H A L A M I U M. 



79 



" O children of the Kingdom, 
To whom God's love was shown, 
Your souls are filled with darkness, 
Ye only have your own ! " 

I turn and see the mansions, 

The Father's House within. 

The guests, the Bride, and Bridegroom, 

Who washed away their sin. 

He is the King of Glory, 
He is the Prince of Peace ; 
His triumphs are God's story, 
The joy shall never cease. 

He stands as one victorious. 
And looketh on the Bride, 
Who there is all as glorious, 
A standing by His side. 

What time I see the honey 
So sweet upon the lips. 
My heart — I cannot hold it — 
Into the future dips. 



go THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



While children of the Kingdom, 
Without in darkness grope, 
I see them coming, coming ! 
All in the blessed hope ; 

From out the East a coming, 
The land of far renown ; 
From out the West a coming, 
And bearing many a crown ; 

From out the North a coming, 
From wild barbarian lands ; 
From out the South a coming, 
Where Sheba's queen commands; 

They seek the Father's mansions. 
Where Abraham is found 
With Isaac too and Jacob, 
Where joys untold abound. 

Behold the Bride and Bridegroom 
Are standing at the door, 
And give them all the greeting 
Of love forevermore. 



EPI'lHALAMIUM. 



Their lips they drop with honey, 
Their garments smell of myrrh ; 
Better than wine or money, 
The love from Him and her. 

And who is he that standeth, 
Clothed in immortal youth ? 
Is it the one who taught me 
To climb in search of truth ? 

And who is this who gazeth 
The myriad throng upon ? 
Is it the one whose thunder 
Reached him of Macedon ? 

And who is this that looketh 
With such abounding peace ? 
Is it old Cincinnatus 
Whose rest shall never cease ? 

I cannot count the faces 
Which glow with olden grace. 
Perhaps, when earth shall vanish, 
With them will be my place. 



82 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



The children of the Kingdom 
And ahens are there : 
Jerusalem, the Golden, 
Receiveth all the fair. 

The wedding now is furnished, 
The Marriage Supper come ; 
And there is song aud feasting 
In that Eternal Home. 

Behold the Great Espousal 
To last forevermore, 
The joy we have a taste of 
Upon this earthly shore. 

He is the King of Glory, 
He is the Prince of Peace ; 
The Daughter she of Zion, 
The joy shall never cease. 

He stands as one victorious 
And looketh on the Bride, 
Who there is all as glorious, 
A standing by His side. 



E P I T H A L A M I V M . 8j 



The Lamb is life and glory, 
The Church is at her rest, 
An everlasting service. 
The fairest and the best. 

As heart to heart then answers. 
In Bridegroom and the Bride, 
So all are one forever 
And with the Lord abide. 



§4 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Advent Longing. 

(First Evening Lesson, Fourth Sunday in Advent. Tune, Stveei Hoine 
without the chorus.) 



Who, who does not yearn for the Kingdom of God, 
The realm which the wise of all ages have trod, 
When striving with sin and combatting with sense* 
Jehovah the helmet and shield of defense. 

O, who does not yearn for the Kingdom of God, 
The realm which the meek of all ages have trod, 
Where Christ, the Good Shepherd, so true to His 

charge. 
Keeps watch on the weary, their strength to enlarge. 

O, who does not yearn for the Kingdom of God, 
The realm where the brave ot all ages have trod. 
And labored in faith, and been victors in love 
Through the might of their heirship to glory above. 

Who, who does not yearn for the Kingdom of God, 
The realm which the Saints of all ages have trod, 
Who now in their triumph are crowned with their 

Lord, 
And rest in the truth of His glorious Word. 



The Nativity. 



I. 

O SHEPHERDS watching flocks by night. 
How bursts upon your startled sight, 
The glory of the heavenly light ! 

Ye see the splendor of the sky 
Down streaming into mortal eye, 
And every heart doth wonder why. 

But hark! what voice is that ye hear. 
Than mortal accents far more clear, 
Like strange, sweet music to the ear.? 

Fear not ! It is an angel's voice : 
He speaks to make the world rejoice. 
And ye of heralds are his choice. 

Good tidings of great joy brings he, 

Which shall unto all people be 

Till they from sin and death be free; 



^5 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



For unto you this winter morn 

A Saviour, Christ, the Lord, is born, 

Who Satan of his realm hath shorn. 

And Bethlehem doth now behold 
The Babe the prophets saw of old 
Before the ages were unrolled 



I I. 

O all ye angels, worship Him ! 
O ever flaming Cherubim, 
Bow low ! and ye, O Seraphim. 

The time that Wisdom chose is come, 
When joy gives voice to even the dumb, 
And Jesu leaves the Father's home. 

The season long desired is ripe, 

Foretold in prophecy and type. 

And from all eyes the tears to wipe 

He comes. Lo ! Angels throng the sky 
Where voice to voice doth make reply, 
" Be glory now to God on high." 



THE N A T 1 V I rr. 



87 



And dear words than tongue or pen 

May ever speak or write again, 

"Peace! peace on earth, good will to men,"' 



III. 

As soon as e'er the sky is grey 

With tokens of the coming da)'*; 

The wondering shepherds go their way 

In silence and with one accord, 

To seek their Saviour and their Lord, 

According to the Angel's word. 

Behold, all in the lowly place 

They find the more than mortal Grace 

And look upon His radiant face. 

The tribute of meek hearts they bring, 

The first to fall a worshipping 

In presence of the new-born King. 

And finding such divine reward. 
The wonder of the infant Lord 
They carry hence and spread abroad. 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



IV. 

O hearts that beat in latter days 
And Hft no voice of prayer or praise, 
Heed ye what now God's angel says. 

He bringeth every lowly heart 

Good tidings of the better part. 

Oh, straightway from your sins depart! 

Approach, approach the Saviour's shrine 
Where more than mortal glories shine. 
And henceforth know the light divine. 

And when your grateful souls are full 
Of all that is most beautiful. 
How quick will they grow dutiful, 

And in among the ranks of men 
In burning words of tongue or pen, 
Sow all their harvest store again ! 



The Christmas Service, 

WITH INFANT BAPTISM. 



I. 

PROCESSIONAL. 

(Tune, Tabor, No. 339, Goodrich & Gilbert's Hymnal.) 

The banners of light are unfurled, 
The darkness is sovereign no more, 

And tidings of joy to the world 

Are speeding from shore unto shore. 

For Bethlehem's plains have beheld 
A wonderful, beautiful sight, 

Which prophets foreshadowed of eld, 
A new and immortal delight. 

Divinity clothed in the flesh 

Now hallows the long waiting earth, 
And nations, all starting afresh, 

Shall go on from worth unto worth. 



go 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



The Babe in a manger is laid, 

For such was the cradle, dear Lord, 

And shepherds, their charge now obeyed, 
Are spreading their wonder abroad. 

O spread it abroad till the day 

The Christ shall be born in all hearts. 

And humility rise to the sway 

Where pride with its folly departs. 



II. 

THE SERVICE. 

The greeting processional song, 
By voices of youth borne along. 

Flowed chancel and transept and nave 
All through with its musical wave : 

When lo, from his place in the east 
Was heard the clear voice of the priest, 

With humble confession from all, 
The low-kneeling penitents' call ; 

And then absolution and prayer 
Were borne by His messengers there. 



THE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. 91 



The angels who wait on His word, 
Above to the answering Lord. 

The wonderful Psalms for the day 
Divinity took our array ; 

The Prophet forecasting the time, 
All glowing with vision sublime : 

Te Deum Laudamus, which bears 
The incense of praises and prayers : 

Saint Luke, as with magical pen, 
Describing the advent to men 

Of Him the dear Saviour of all. 
Who came as at mercy's meek call ; 

All these in their order were heard, 
And was there a bosom not stirred ? — 

A heart of the young or the hoary, 
Not lighted anew with the glory 

That shone on that wonderful day 
Divinity stooped to array 



92 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Itself in humanity's dress, 
Our nature forever to bless ? 

And now in the hush and the pause 
That followed the thought of the Cause 

Of tidings of joy to the world, 
Whose banners of light are unfurled, 

One under those banners was made 
A soldier of Christ, and arrayed 

In armor divine for the strife 
And all the temptations of life. 

The baptismal water was there 

All hallowed and blest as by prayer, 

Through him the meek priest of the Lord, 
Appointed as erst by His word. 

And poured on our infant's fair brow, 
What time were the promise and vow 

Of parents and sponsors received 
On high, as of those who believed, 



THE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. 



93 



Rejoicing that merciful Heaven 
Had promises lovingly given 

To them and their children and all 
Far off whom the Saviour should call, 

O Christ ! 'twas a beautiful sight, 
And more than a mortal delight, 

The seeing one brought to Thy fold, 
And under Thy banner enrolled, 

A child of the Lord on the morn 
That Thou of a Virgin wast born ! 

Now grand was the service in store, 
Companion of what went before : 

The out-burst of blessing and praise 
Which many a heart did upraise ; 

The naming of faith we all hold, 
Delivered to Saints once of old ; ■ 

The blessed communion of prayer 
Ascending through angel-thronged air 



94 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST 



To Him who omnipotent there 
Doth heed what our htanies bear ; 

A sweet song of David who sung 
As if to a harp that was strung 

By angels, and then (to preUide 
The feast of the Body and Blood 

All broken and poured out for thee, 
The chief est of sinners like me) 

The tables, which given of old. 

Have brightened with years that have rolled ; 

The Collect for daily renewal 

Of natures which sin has made dual ; 

Epistle and Gospel which raise 

The thoughts to the Ancient of Days ; 

A song of rejoicing once more 
Which reverent voices upbore ; 

Meek words of salvation which came 
From lips that were touched as by flame 



THE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. 



9S 



From Christ's clear altar of love ; 
And then, last of all, all above 

In joyful, glorious might, 

The Eucharist-feast of delight ! 

Oh, such was the service that day 
Divinity took our array, 

While angels of praise and of prayer 
Did hover more lovingly there. 

Because of that dear little child 
Not yet by temptation beguiled, 

That, set in the midst, was a type 

For those who in years were more ripe. 

With such aspirations abounding, 
W^as not it a fitting surrounding 

For that consecration to One, 

As then, born a pure Virgin's Son 

Who dowered, that glorious time, 
A child for a mission sublime ? 



THE YEAR OF C H H I S T . 



III. 

RECESSIONAL. 



(Tune, For thee, O dear, dear Country, No. 492, Goodrich 
& Gilbert's Hymnal.) 



O Christ ! the Child forever, 

Receive our child-Hke song ; 
For we Thy praises never 

Would cease to bear along 
Through fair or stormy weather, 

Where'er our path may be, 
Till Thou at length shall gather 

Thy little ones to Thee. 

O Christ ! the Man forever, 

Receive our humble prayer, 
And crown our strong endeavor 

To cast aside despair. 
And work as Thou desirest 

In love of Thee and Thine, 
Till Thou our all requirest 

Before the upper shrine. 



THE CHRISTMAS SERVICE. 



97 



O Christ ! the Priest forever, 

Receive our sacrifice, 
Its good from evil sever 

And bear it to the skies ; 
Through trials and temptation, 

O bring us in Thy love, 
And keep us for the nation 

Of all the blest above. 

O Christ ! our God forever, 

We all Thy word embrace, 
And as by faith's strong lever, 

Would rise from grace to grace ; 
Rain Thou on us Thy manna, 

What time we here remain. 
And ours shall be, Hosanna, 

When Thou shalt come again. 



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A ChkistiMas Carol. 



I. 

This is the winter morn, 

Our Saviour, Christ, was born, 
Who left the realms of endless day, 

To take our sins away. 
Have ye no Carol for the Lord, 

To spread His love abroad ? 
Hosanna ! from all our hearts we raise, 

Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 

And make our lives His praise. 

II. 

Ring, ring, O happy bells ! 

A blessed angel tells 
The story of His humble birth, 

Who came this day to earth. 
Have ye no praises for the Lord 

To spread His love abroad? 
Hosanna ! from all our hearts we pour, 

Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 

And bless Him evermore. 



T B E YEAR OF CHRIST. 



III. 

The shepherds vigils keep 

And watch by night their sheep : 
Upon the plains of Bethlehem 

What glory comes to them ! 
Have ye from heaven no glory felt, 

Who all in prayer have knelt ? 
Hosanna ! in all our hearts is light, 

Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 

God's w^orship is delight. 

IV. 

A clear, angelic voice, 

To make the world rejoice, 
Brings men good tidings of great joyj 

Which shall all hearts employ. 
Have ye no precious word to bear, 

To make the world more fair .-' 
Hosanna ! from all our hearts shall flow, 

Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 

Where'er on earth we go. 

V. 

The trembling shepherds hear, 
An angel calms their fear ; 
Lo ! Christ in swaddling bands arrayed, 
Is in a manger laid. 



CH nisi MAS CAROL. 



Have ye no word of great delight, 
To bring the day from night ? 

Hosanna ! in all our hearts shall be, 
Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 
Through all eternity. 

VI. 

All in the lowly place 

They find the Royal Grace, 
And lo ! they fall a worshipping 

Before the new-born King. 
Have ye no worship for the Lord, 

To give with one accord ? 
Hosanna ! in all our hearts we bring, 

Hosanna! Hosanna! 

Our lives our offering. 

VII. 

Their grateful hearts are full 

Of things most beautiful ; 
And lo ! the wonder of the Lord 

They straightway spread abroad. 
Have ye no beauty of the Christ 

Whose love has long sufficed .■' 
Hosanna ! from all our hearts we raise, 

Hosanna ! Hosanna ! 

And carry hence His praise. 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



The Death of St. Stephen. 



( W-'fr Pfliigeit, the music for this Carol, was found by Mr. Thomas in an old 
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Social and Public Worship," compiled by himself, he is not aware of its use in 
this country.) 




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THE DEATH OF SAINT STEPHEJT. 



103 



Praise God for that dear Martyr, 

The first of all the host 
Who earth for heaven barter, 

To love the Master most ; 
And chief of sons and daughters 

Triumphant over pain, 
Who cast upon the waters 

The bread that comes again. 

II. 

The nearest to the Saviour 

Who poured His blood for all, 
And like Him in behaviour, 

We keep his festival. 
In love of His devotion 

To Him who went before. 
Through Who-m we seek the portion 

For all the saints in store. 

III. 

We all in joy remember 

The valor of his life. 
Which kindling every ember, 

Gives ardor to the strife, 
In which of old the Master 

Dropped victory on one 



I04 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Who through the world's disaster 
Now shineth as the sun. 

IV. ■ 
There was not one divining, 

When Stephen's face so fair 
Was Hke an angel's shining, 

Whom he saw standing there 
In that high place of glory, 

All at the Father's side, 
Above heroic story, 

In that for foes he died. 

V. 
O strong young man, and burning 

For slaughter of the saints, 
To that brave martyr turning 

Thou didst not hear complaints ; 
But grace to him way given 

To gain thy pardon there. 
What time he went to heaven 

Upon the wings of prayer. 

VI. 

O Paul once filled with loathing 

At that bold Nazarene, 
When at thy feet his clothing 

Was laid, what did that mean .''- 



THE DEATH OF SAINT STEPHEN. 



105 



But that on thee his spirit 
Would Hke a mantle fall, 

Who through the Saviour's merit 
Wast soon the chief of all ? 

VII. 

The saint is yet a mountain 

Against the wrath of foes. 
His heart is still a fountain 

From whence devotion flows. 
His blood has many a harvest 

In all the ages brought. 
O foolish one that starvest, 

He did not live for nought. 

VIII. 

Thank God for that dear Martyr, 

The first of all the host 
Who earth for heaven barter, 

To love the Saviour most ; 
And chief of sons and daughters 

Triumphant over pain, 
Who cast upon the waters 

The bread that comes again. 



Io6 THE TEAR OF' CHRIST 



A Legend of St. John. 

(For his Festival, Dec. 27.) 



There is a beautiful legend 
Come down from ancient time, 

Of John, the beloved disciple, 

With the marks of his life sublime. 

Eusebius has the story 

On his quaint, suggestive page ; 
And God in the hearts of His people 

Has preserved it from age to age. . 

It was after the vision in Patmos, 

After the sanctified love 
Which flowed to the Seven Churches, 

Glowing with light from above : 

When his years had outrun the measure 
Allotted to men at the best, 

And Peter and James and the others 
Had followed the Master to rest : 



A LEGEND OP SAINT JOHN. 



107 



At Ephesus came a message 
Where he was still at his post, 

Which unto the aged Apostle 

Was the voice of the Holy Ghost. 

Into the country he hastened 

With all the ardor of youth, 
Shod with the preparation 

Of the Gospel of peace and truth. 

His mission was one of mercy 

To the sheep that were scattered abroad, 
And abundant consolation, 

Which flowed through him from the Lord. 

Oh, would my art could paint him. 

The venerable man of God, 
So lovingly showing and treading 

The way the Master had trod. 

At length when the service was ended 

His eye on a young man fell. 
Of beautiful form and feature 

And grace we love so well. 



Io8 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



At once he turned to the bishop, 
And said with a love unpriced, 

" To thee, to thee I commit him 
Before the Church and Christ." 

He then returned to the city, 

The beloved disciple, John, 
Where the strong unceasing current 

Of his deathless love flowed on. 

The bishop discharged his duty 

To the youth so graceful and fair ; 

With restraining hand he held him, 
And trained him with loving care. 

At last, when his preparation 
Was made for the holy rite, 

He was cleansed in the sanctified water 
And pronounced a child of light. 

For a time he adorned the doctrine 
Which Christ in the Church has set. 

But, alas, for a passionate nature 
When Satan has spread his net ! 



,1 LEGEND OF SAIXT JOHN. 



109 



Through comrades base and abandoned 
He was hired from day to day, 

Until, Hke a steed unbridled, 

He struck from the rightful way : 

And a wild, consuming passion 

Raised him unto the head 
Of a mighty band of robbers, 

Of all the country the dread. 

Time passed. Again a message 

Unto the Apostle was sent, 
To set their affairs in order 

And tell them the Lord's intent. 

And when he had come and attended 

To all that needed his care, 
He turned him and said, " Come, Bishop, 

Give back my deposit so rare." 

" What deposit .-* " was the answer 
Which could not confusion hide. 

" I demand the soul of a brother," 
Plainly the Apostle replied, 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



" Which Christ and I committed 

Before the Church to thee." 
TrembUng and even weeping, 

" The young man is dead," groaned he. 

" How dead ? what death" John demanded. 

" He the way of the tempter trod, 
Forgetting the Master's weapon, 

And now he is dead unto God, 

Yonder he roves a robber." 

" A fine keeper," said John, " mdeed 
Of a brother's soul. Get ready 

A guide and a saddled steed." 

And all as he was an Apostle 

Into the region rode 
Where the robber youth and captain 

Had fixed his strong abode. 

When hardly over the border. 

He a prisoner was made, 
And into their leader's presence, 

Demanded to be conveyed. 



A LEGEAD OF SAIXT STEPHEN. 



And he who could brave a thousand 

When each was an enemy, 
Beholding John approaching, 

Turned him in shame to flee. 

But John of his age forgetful, 
Pursued him with all his might. 

"Why from thy defenceless father" 

He cried, " dost thou turn in flight ? " 

" Fear not : there is hope and a refuge. 

And life shall yet be thine. 
I will intercede with the Master 

And task His love divine." 

Subdued by love that is stronger 
Than was ever an armed band. 

He became once more to the Father 
A child to feel for His hand. 

Subdued by love that is stronger 

.Than a world full of terrors and fears, 
He returned to the House of the Father 
Athrough the baptism of tears. 



THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



Such is the beautiful legend, 
Come down from ancient days, 

Of love that is young forever, 
And is he not blind who says. 

That charity ever faileth. 

Or doth for a moment despair. 

Or that there is any danger 
Too great for her to dare ; 

When John, the beloved disciple, 
With the faith of the Gospel shod, 

Went forth in pursuit of the robber 
And brought him back to God ? 



The Holy Innocents. 

December 28. 



Rachel, weeping for her children and wouid not be comforted, because they 
were not " 



I HAVE heard the voice in Ramah, 
And with sorrow we are not done ; 

For thine is the bitterest mourning, 
Mourning for an only son ! 

And what shall I utter to comfort 
The heart that is dearest of all ? 

Too young for the losses and crosses ? 
Too young for the rise and the fall ? 

Oh, yes ; we own it, we own it ; 

But not too young for the grace 
That was so nameless and blameless, 

For the yearning and tender embrace ! 



114 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



He hung, he hung on thy bosom 
In that happiest weariest hour, 

A dear Httle bird to its blossom, 
The beautiful dutiful flower. 

And thus he grew by its sweetness, 
He grew by its sweetness so 

That smile unto smile responded — 
But a little while ago ! 

And you--and I ? — were happy 

In many a vision fair 
Of a ripe and glorious manhood 

Which the world and we should share. 

In a little while the patter 
Of two little feet was heard ; 

And many a look it cheered us, 

A look that was more than a word. 

In a little while he uttered 

The words we longed to hear ; 

And mama and papa blessed him 
With a blessing of hope and fear. 



THE HOLT INNOCENTS. 



"S 



In a little while he budded, 
A bud of the promising spring, 

And oh for the beautiful blossom. 
And oh for the fruit it will bring ! 

Oh the joy they never may know it 
Who never have parents been. 

The joy of a swelling bosom 
With a growing light within : 

A light that is soft and tender 
And growing in strength and grace, 

Which wreathes a form that is slender 
And glows in a dear little face ! 

But life it knoweth the shadow, 
The shadow as well as the shine ; 

For the one it follows the other, 
And both together are thine 

For the bud it never unfolded, 

The light it flickered away, 
And whose is the power to utter 

The grief of that bitterest day ? 



Il6 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



His form is yet before me 

With the fair and lofty brow, 
And the day since last we kissed it — 

Is it long since then and now ? 

Dearest, it seems but a minute, 

Though winter has twice spread the snow, 
Meek purity's mantle to cover 

The one that is resting below. 

In the acre of God that is yonder 

And unto the west his head, 
He sleepeth the sleep untroubled, 

With one to watch at his bed. 

For the bright and guardian angel 
Who beholdeth the Father's face. 

Doth stand as a sentinel watching 
O'er the dear one's resting place ; 

Doth stand as a sentinel guarding 
The dust of the precious dead, 

Till at length the trumpet soundeth 

When the years of the world are sped ; 



THE HOLY INNOCEXTS. j,- 



And the throng which cannot be numbered 
Put on their garments of white, 

And gird themselves for the glory 
Of a realm that hath no night. 

And so is gone, the darling, 

And the dream so fair and vain, 

Whose light has faded to darkness, 
We shall never dream again ! 

Never ? Is the earth the limit 

To bright and beautiful hope ? 
If the world brings not fruition, 

Must we in darkness grope ? 

Oh no ! There is expectation 
Which the grave cannot control ; 

There is boundless infinite promise 
For the living and deathless soul. 

And the darling who left us early, 

May yonder grow a man ; 
And in deeds of the great Hereafter 

May take his place in the van. 



Il8 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Oh, if thine is the bitterest mourning. 

Mourning for an only son, 
Believe that in God, the Giver, 

Thy darling his course begun ; 

Believe that in God, the Taker, 
His course forever will be ; 

For this is the blessed comfort. 
The comfort for thee and me. 



ECCLESIA. 

(For the Sunday after Christmas.) 



Behold the handmaid of the Lord. 



My place is among the lilies, 
Where He my beloved feeds ; 

I seek only where His will is, 
To satisfy all my needs. 

His purity is the garment 
Which only I wish to wear ; 

A Bride for the Morning Star meant, 
I seek to be pure and fair. 

I wonder, with all the order 

Of Him who doth yonder stand, 

He looketh on my disorder 
And leadeth me by the hand, 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



What time I desire the splendor 
Which glows ill His blessed face, 

And seek unto Him to render 
A service for all His grace ! 

Oh have ye not known a lover 
With tenderest care aglow, 

What I in my love discover 
Ye certainly cannot know. 

With love and with beauty laden, 
All which unto Him I owe, 

I am in His sight a maiden 
Wherever on earth I go. 

But when at the last in Heaven 
I stand at the Bridegroom's side, 

To me will the joy be given. 
Forever to be His Bride. 



Engagement Song. 



Remember that happiest day 
When I from myself turned away, 
And sought my devotion to prove 
In acts of adorable love ? 

Oh, yes ; I remember it well ; 
How could I forget it, the spell 
That lifted me up from my fall, 
And sang in my bosom the call, 

To enter the long whitened field 
That harvests for heaven doth yield, 
And bind up the bright golden sheaves 
Which God to a coronet weaves ? 

fairest of all to my heart, 

My love for thee will not depart. 
Till yonder in bowing me down, 

1 cast at the foot-stool my crown. 



THE YEAH OF CHRIS T. 



THE Marriage Garment. 

For the First Sunday in the Month. 



(Tune, Humility, Oliver Collection.) 

The marriage garment God requires, 

Is one I cannot all describe : 
It is the heart with true desires 

That will not take the Tempter's bribe ; 

It is the thought of all we are, 

The wrestling prayer that sin may be 

To-morrow less a frowning bar 
Between us and His purity ; 

It is the heart that doth forgive 
Whate'er our brother meant for ill, 

The wish as in God's sight to live 
And evermore to do His will ; 



THE MARRIAGE GARMENT. 



It is the strong and far resolve 

Which flames the toil of each to-day, 

The hopes that higher still revolve 
What time the seasons pass away; 

It is the love w^hich reaches men 
Whatever be their place of birth, 

The deed that seeks to make again 
A very paradise of earth. 

Do I the marriage garment wear, 

And seek, O Lord, through Thy control. 

That this vile heart may grow more fair, 
The Bread and Wine shall feast my soul. 



124 



THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



The Traveler. 



For the Circumcision and New Year Day. 



Oh did you not see him that over the snow 
Came on with a pace so cautious and slow ? — 

That measured his step to a pendulum-tick 
Arriving in town when the darkness was thick ? 

I saw him last night with locks so gray 
A little way off as the light died away. 

And I knew him at once so often before 
Had he silently, mourr fully passed at my door. 

He must be cold and weary, I said. 
Coming so far with that measured tread. 

I will urge him to linger awhile with me 
Till his withering chill and weariness flee. 



THE T R A VEL E Ji. 



125 



A story — who knows ? — he may deign to rehearse, 
And when he is gone I will put it in verse. 

I turned to prepare for the coming guest, 
With curious troublous thoughts oppressed. 

The window I cheered with the taper's glow 
Which glimmered afar o'er the spectral snow. 

My anxious care the hearth-stone knew 

And the red flames leaped and beckoned anew. 

But chiefly myself with singular care 
Did I for the hoary presence prepare 

Yet with little success as I paced the room 
Did I labor to banish a sense of gloom 

My thoughts were going and coming like bees, 
With store from the year's wide-stretching leas, 

Some laden with honey, some laden with gall. 
And into my heart they dropped it all ! 

O miserable heart ! at once overrun 

With the honey and gall thou can'st not shun. 



126 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



wretched heart ! in sadness I cried, 
Where is thy trust in the Crucified ? 

And in wrestUng prayer did I labor long 
That the Mighty One would make me strong. 

That prayer was more than a useless breath : 
It brought to my soul God's saving health. 

When the hours went by on their sluggish flight, 
And came the middle watch of the night ; 

In part unmanned in spite of my care, 

1 beheld my guest in the taper's glare, 

A wall of darkness around him thick, 
As onward he came to a pendulum-tick. 

Then quickly I opened wide the door 
And bade him pass my threshold o'er, 

And linger awhile away from the cold, 
And repeat some story or ballad old, — ■ 

His weary limbs to strengthen with rest, 
For his course to the ever recedino^ west. 



THE TRAVELER. 



127 



Through the vacant door in wonder I glanced 
And stood — was it long ? — as one entranced. 

Silence so aweful did fill the room 

That tick of the clock was a cannon's boom. 

And my heart it sank to its lowest retreat 
And in whelming awe did muffle its beat. 

For now I beheld as never before 
And heard to forget, ah, nevermore ! 

For with outstretched hand, with sythe glass, 
With naught of a pause did the traveler pass. 

And with upturned face he the silence broke 
And thus as be went he measur'dly spoke : 

My journey is long, but my limbs are strong : 
And I stay not for rest, for story, or song. 

It is only a dirge, that ever I sing ; 

It is only of death the tale that I bring : 

Of death that is life as i't cometh to pass ; 
Of death that is death, alas ! alas ! 



128 THE TEAR OF CHRIST. 



And these I chant as I go on my way, 
As I go on my way forever and aye. 

Call not thyself wretched, though bitter and sweet 
In thy cup at this hour intermingle and meet. 

Some cloud with the sunshine must ever appear, 
And darkness prevails till morning is near. 

But who doth remember the gloom of the night. 
When the sky is aglow with the beautiful light .■* 

Oh alas ! if thou drinkest the bitter alone, 
Nor heaven nor earth may stifle thy moan ! 

Thy moan ! — and the echo died away, 
Thy moan ! thy moan forever and aye ! 

His measured voice I heard no more. 
But not till I stand on eternity's shore. 

And the things of time be forgotten all. 
Shall I cease that traveler's words to recall. 

As onward he moved to a pendulum-tick 

The gloom and the darkness around him thick, 



THE T R A V E L E R . 



129 



I fell on my knees and breathed a prayer ; 
And it rose I ween through the midnight air 

To a God who knoweth the wants and all 
The evil and good of this earthly thrall : 

To One who suffered as on this day 
And began our sins to purge away : 

To Him who hath promised to heed our cry 
And a troubled heart to purify. 

And I feel that the gall will ever grow less 
Till I see His face in righteousness. 

And now my soul is filled with cheer 

For the march of a bright and Happy New Year. 

As years roll on, whether sun doth shine 
Or clouds overcast, I will never repine ; 

For I know, when the race of time is run 
I shall enter a realm of Eternal Sun. 



13° 



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New Year Day. 

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N E \F y h- A R DA r 



Year by year the world grows older, 

Year by year the end draws nigh 
Will the hearts of men be colder 

When the Lord descends the sky ? 
Soon the days will fill their number, 

Soon be here the time for rest ; 
Rouse ye, rouse ye tVom your slumber, 

Do the work that is the best : 

Chorus. Kver as with meek behaviour. 

Looking for the Lord and Saviour, 
In the brightness of His favour 
Finding Him reward and rest. 

Year by year the day approaches 

When the Saviour will return. 
See ye that no sin encroaches, 

Yc that for His coming yearn. 
Have ye aught to do for neighbor, 

Do it ere the time for rest ; 
Going forth to toil and labor, 

Do the work that is the best : 

Chorus. 



i3» 



132 THE YEAR OF CHRIST. 



Help ye, help ye, one another, 

If ye seek the Golden Year ; 
Greet in every man a brother, 

Oh, how soon will it be here ! 
Journeying a little longer, 

Doing that which is the best, 
We shall all be growing stronger 

Till we enter into rest : 

Chorus. 

What ! and will ye idly linger 

In this strange and hostile land ? 
At the road side see the Finger 

Pointing to the Golden Strand 
Rich in all eternal treasures. 

Purest, fairest, and the best. 
Radiant with those endless pleasures 

Which are joy, reward and rest : 

Chorus. 



